We've got awful conditions coming our way, and people need to be prepared.

Rural fire crews are responding to dozens of fires across the state, as Premier Barry O'Farrell warns residents to prepare for what could be the worst fire danger day in the state's history on Tuesday.

A grass fire was burning out of control near Oura, east of Wagga Wagga on Monday. Photo: Les Smith

Residents of Oura in southern NSW were on Monday afternoon warned not to leave their village but to take shelter if a nearby out-of-control grassfire threatens homes.

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It was just one of a number of fires across the state, as emergency services prepare for 'catastrophic' fire conditions on Tuesday.

Premier Barry O'Farrell on Monday made an emphatic appeal to all NSW residents to be fully prepared for the worst.

List of current incidents from the NSW Rural Fire Service:

"Tomorrow is not just going to be in the 40s, it will perhaps be the worst fire danger the state has ever faced," he said. "Do what emergency services tell you, particular the rural fire service. Act early.

"Don't just think, 'Tomorrow is another bush fire danger day, tomorrow is another summer's day'. Tomorrow is going to be the worst fire danger day in parts of this state we've ever experienced in history."

A total fire ban has been applied for NSW from midnight on Monday while the Shoalhaven and Illawarra area, along with Southern ranges region, are the most at risk, categorised as having 'catastrophic' conditions, the worst on the scale. The fire service advises residents never to attempt to stay and defend their homes when threatened by fire on a day rated catastrophic.

National parks will be closed and nursing homes evacuated as the state sets to sizzle.

Mr O'Farrell urged campers and holidaymakers to leave early Tuesday morning as thousands of fire service personnel would be on heightened standby.

"Rethink your need to be in the bush, have a bush fire plan, be prepared but most importantly make sure you are well away from harm's way," he said.

Fast-moving fire warning for Oura residents

In southern NSW residents have been warned not to leave their village but to take shelter if a nearby out-of-control grassfire threatens homes.

At mid-afternoon on Monday the fast-moving fire was about 400 hectares in size burning about 14km east of Wagga Wagga.

An emergency warning is place for residents of Oura, which has a population of around 270.

A Rural Fire Service spokeswoman told AAP the fire may impact on homes but at mid-afternoon it was not believed it would do so.

"But because it’s a fast-moving grassfire the situation could change quite rapidly," she said.

The fire had closed roads in the area so residents had been advised not to leave but to seek shelter from radiant heat if the fire threatened houses.Firefighters were protecting properties and an air crane was helping ground crews in fighting the fire.

An Emergency Alert telephone warning message has been sent to residents in the area.

Crews battle Gunning blaze

A fire fighter has been burnt in a blaze burning of control near Gunning.

The fire broke out this afternoon between Gunning and the Belmont Forest and has raced through more than 25 hectares.

Crews are concentrated around the Laidvale Rd and Gundaroo Rd areas.

The outbreak overtook a RFS truck just after 3pm.

The Snowy Hydro Southcare helicopter has been deployed to transport the man to Canberra Hospital.

Water bombing aircraft have also been sent to the fire, along with numerous crews. However, ground crews are making headway on the blaze’s northern edge.

Police are cutting off access to some roads.

Total fire ban as NSW prepares for 'catastrophic' conditions

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said strong winds of up to 80km/h would also play havoc for emergency services.

"It's not just the heat and winds but because there is so much dry fuel and little humidity it's going to be a shocking day," he said.

"We have today more than 90 fires and 20 of those remain uncontained."

Lightning has also been responsible for dozens of fires igniting recently.

8 Jan
Winds have shifted smoke away from the tiny town of Dartmoor after many of the community’s residents evacuated on Monday and the rest of the state braced for fires amid dangerous conditions and searing temperatures.